CHEYENNE: Black Dog Animal Rescue’s Pet Pictures with Santa

Black Dog Animal Rescue to host Pet Pictures with Santa. Sunday, December 9th from 10 am until 2 pm at The Historic Train Depot in Cheyenne . Black Dog Animal Rescue’s popular Merry Mutt Fair has outgrown the only available indoor venue and therefore will not be held this year. But Black Dog Animal Rescue is planning a bigger and more exicitng Summer Mutt Fair, to be held outdoors in June 2013. Pet pictures with Santa were an exciting part of the Merry Mutt Fair, and BDAR will be hosting them as a stand alone event, Sunday, December 9th from 10 am to 2 pm at The Historic Train Depot in Cheyenne. Photos are being provided by Christine Kronz Photography for $10 with all proceeds going to BDAR. Photos can be taken home that day. Please call BDAR at 307-214-6600 with any questions or email them at bdar@bdar.org.

CASPER: First Night Casper 2013 New Year’s Eve

Follow their Facebook page for more information on button purchase to enter the events, the schedule and locations! Read our current issue for more information on this 2nd annual, community friendly, drug-and-alcohol-free event! Hosted by the 1224 Club in Casper!

CHEYENNE: New Year’s Eve Ball Drop

Visit the Cheyenne website for more information on this second annual event! Festivities begin in Downtown Cheyenne at 11:30 PM on New Year’s Eve!

CHEYENNE: Cheyenne Bridal Expo January 6

Our sister magazine, Wyoming Weddings, has a few booth spaces available in our 2013 Cheyenne Bridal Expo on January 6! This is the 21st annual event, traditionally hosted by Dan D Party Corner — and co-hosted by Dan D Party Corner and Keith Turbitt’s Shutter-Vision!

DOUGLAS: Platte River Photography Show January 16-23

If you’re a photographer and love to shoot images of Wyoming, contact the Converse Chamber of Commerce in Douglas for more information on this fun photographic event! 307.358.2950

We are thrilled to team with the Wyoming Business Council to feature a Wyoming First business every week on our blog! Wyoming First is a program that promotes Wyoming member businesses. Visit their website (click here) to learn more about this service — and if you are a Wyoming business who’s not a member, be sure to inquire about membership! There are many benefits!

This week we are featuring: Crazy Woman Trading Company of Sheridan, WY

Linda and Willie Fauth 120 N Main Sheridan, WY 82801 307-672-3939

Crazy Woman Trading Co. began when Linda and Willis Fauth purchased and remodeled a historic building on Main Street in Sheridan, and she wanted a historic name to match. While dining with friends, Linda asked for suggestions for a name for her store,” blank blank trading company.” All of a sudden someone said “Crazy Woman” and Linda replied, “That’s it! Crazy Woman Trading Co.”

The name of the store and listening to what her customers want is what inspires Linda’s products. Crazy Woman Chili is made in Sheridan and is so good it has won awards!!

All of the Crazy Woman Trading Co. products feature their logo, Crazy Woman.

Crazy Woman Trading Co. products are sold only in their store and at Best Out West mall in Sheridan. Because Crazy Woman Trading Co. is trademarked, Linda and Willis are considering selling in different areas.

We are thrilled to team with the Wyoming Business Council to feature a Wyoming First business every week on our blog! Wyoming First is a program that promotes Wyoming member businesses. Visit their website (click here) to learn more about this service — and if you are a Wyoming business who’s not a member, be sure to inquire about membership! There are many benefits!

This week we are featuring Wyoming Silvers of Upton, Wyoming

Jill & Dennis Hendrix began selling wholesale to gift shops and state parks across the country. In 1997 they began direct sales and discontinued selling in the wholesale market. Wyoming Silvers offers a diverse product line from jewelry to lariat baskets and clocks. Jill and Dennis have received several fine art awards at art shows across the Midwest.

Wyoming Silvers creates art glass jewelry and some silver work. Each piece is one-of-a-kind, blown, fused and torch-work glass. Dennis creates lariat rope baskets and lariat clocks. He also creates the custom name rings. Each one is made with the customer’s personalization on a comfort fit stainless steel band. They are very reasonably priced at $35 which includes the ring and all the personalization.

Wyoming Silvers recently received licensing to use the Bucking Horse and Rider logo on their line of personalized jewelry of rings, pendants or bracelets and happily will work with customer on custom pieces. They are made to order, and if purchasing at the Mall can pick up your ring the same day. Products ordered are generally shipped within 48 hours and the shipping is free to the customer.

Normally, Wyoming Silvers’ products can be ordered via their website, however, this month they are in a kiosk in front of Christopher Banks and Kay Jewelers at Frontier Mall. Visit their web site or stop in at the mall, this is a great opportunity to own a handcrafted unique piece of art.

LANDER: Christmas Tree Lot Supports LVHS Band

The Lander Valley High School Marching Band is sponsoring the Community Christmas Tree Lot at the Ace parking lot, 485 Main St., featuring better trees from a new tree farm! There will be a beautiful selection of Fraser Fir, Douglas Fir, Colorado Blue Spruce, Black Hills Spruce, Michigan Grand Fir and Scotch Pine. Weekday hours are 4-8 pm; Saturday hours are 9am-8pm; and Sunday hours are 9am-6pm. Open through December 24. Come support the LVHS award-winning band! Free hot cocoa and apple cider. Optional delivery for a small donation. Contact landerbandboosters@gmail.com with any questions.

CHEYENNE: Black Dog Animal Rescue’s Pet Pictures with Santa

Black Dog Animal Rescue to host Pet Pictures with Santa. Sunday, December 9th from 10 am until 2 pm at The Historic Train Depot in Cheyenne . Black Dog Animal Rescue’s popular Merry Mutt Fair has outgrown the only available indoor venue and therefore will not be held this year. But Black Dog Animal Rescue is planning a bigger and more exicitng Summer Mutt Fair, to be held outdoors in June 2013. Pet pictures with Santa were an exciting part of the Merry Mutt Fair, and BDAR will be hosting them as a stand alone event, Sunday, December 9th from 10 am to 2 pm at The Historic Train Depot in Cheyenne. Photos are being provided by Christine Kronz Photography for $10 with all proceeds going to BDAR. Photos can be taken home that day. Please call BDAR at 307-214-6600 with any questions or email them at bdar@bdar.org.

MEETEETSE: Christmas in Meeteetse

Head to Meeteetse December 8 for Christmas in Meeteetse! Traditional holiday fun for the whole family. Contact their visitor center for more information!

The holiday parade starts TONIGHT (December 7!) at 6 p.m. from the Boot Barn parking lot (SE corner of 2nd and Fremont) and heads south on 2nd Street, turns west (right) on University, proceeds west to 1st Street, turns south (left) and proceeds to Garfield Street. The parade then continues west (left) to 2nd Street, turns left (north) and returns to the Boot Barn staging area. Be sure to catch this fun and joyous celebration!

The third annual Mistletoe Mosey runs through December 22nd and is open to all members of the public. Here’s how it works. Shop downtown and purchase a pin with a unique number for $5 at any participating Mistletoe Mosey business. Then work on your holiday wish list downtown between now and December 22 and try to find your number. Winners automatically receive a $50 gift from the business where their number is posted and are entered into a drawing for $1,000 worth of downtown gift certificates.

GILLETTE: Gillette Art Walk Hosted by Gillette Main Street

Gillette Main Street has a couple open spaces for Artists during our next Art Walk! (Next Thursday, Dec 13) Let them know if you are interested in showcasing your work! Call 307-685-1231 or email at gillettemainstreet@gmail.com.

JACKSON: Winter Wonderland Shopping Experience

Jackson Hole Winter Wonderland, a weekend of holiday shopping and cheer, will be held Friday, December 7 and Saturday, December 8. Supported by the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce Business Development Committee, it will be a weekend to share with family and friends and experience the unique shopping within Teton County. One of the highlights will be the Dancers’ Workshop production of “If The Shoe Fits,” an original adaptation of Cinderella, at Jackson Hole Center for the Arts.

Local shops will feature a magical holiday atmosphere and extended hours, until at least 8:00pm, just in time to shop for Christmas! Enjoy caroling, sleigh rides, cider, hot chocolate, and cookies in the glow of festive Christmas lighting. Find information about specific store hours at www.jacksonholechamber.com/retailers.

LARAMIE: Pair Up With the Cowboys THIS Weekend!

ON THE TABLE…Foodie News from Across Wyoming

Dubois, WY – The first Dubois Main Street-sponsored Taste of Dubois, featuring a Victorian Christmas theme, is set for Saturday, Dec. 8 at Nostalgia Bistro in the historic Ramshorn Inn at 202 East Ramshorn Street in downtown Dubois.

We are thrilled to team with the Wyoming Business Council to feature a Wyoming First business every week on our blog! Wyoming First is a program that promotes Wyoming member businesses. Visit their website (click here) to learn more about this service — and if you are a Wyoming business who’s not a member, be sure to inquire about membership! There are many benefits!

Kevin & Julie Gaukel 322 Divide Road Keeline, WY 82227 (307) 334-3252

The Gaukel family has been growing quality grains in the heart of Wyoming wheat country since 1914. The Gaukels are fourth generation farmers and ranchers. Kevin spends many hours of “tractor time” giving him great opportunities to think. It was during one of these trips around the field that an idea came to him! They were expecting their third child and needed to find a way to increase their revenue with the resources they had available. At the time bread machines were becoming increasingly popular. Kevin decided that they should offer their wheat in pre-packaged, convenient mixes directly to the consumer. So in 1999, Gaukel Grown & Ground was established near Keeline, Wyoming, which allowed the Gaukels to bring their award winning grain straight from their Wyoming wheat field to your home.

Today people are striving to lead a healthier lifestyle, and the Gaukels are helping them reach their goals. They stone grind their wheat, leaving it as healthful as the Lord intended. The Gaukels take pride in their all-natural whole wheat products, which stand apart from others by the way they are processed. Stone grinding leaves the wheat kernels whole allowing the wheat germ to be retained. This gives their whole wheat mixes a higher source of fiber and other nutrients. The Gaukel family not only plants and harvests their annual crop of wheat; they clean it, grind it, mix and package it.

In 1999, Gaukel Grown & Ground began with only 3 products. Now the product line has expanded to offer 14 different whole wheat choices to meet the desires of your family as well as satisfying your gift giving needs. The following products sold individual or in 3 unique gift sets: Pancake Mix, Muffin Mix, Italian Herb Bread Mix, Multi-Grain Bread Mix, Wheat-n-Raisin Bread Mix, Whole Wheat Bread Mix, Doughnut Mix, Cracked Wheat Cereal, and Whole Wheat Flour. It’s convenient, prepackaged, and nutritious with a home-grown taste. Preparing stone ground whole wheat is a slow process, but it ensures a quality of flour that we are sure you’ll enjoy. The coarseness of the texture is determined by how far apart the two stones are set. They can grind cake flour fine or just pop the kernel open. Since very little heat is generated, all the nutrients come through.

Gaukel Grown & Ground now offers two convenient packaging options. The Kraft bag with tin-tie closure is available for wholesale customers in the grocery industry, as well as for regular customers for their own personal consumption. New to their packaging line is a hand-made cloth pouch, using coordinating country style fabrics. This packaging choice is available for wholesale customers in the gift industry, as well as for customers purchasing the mixes for special occasions. The Gaukel daughters, Kaitlin and Kylee, sew these unique, one of a kind, cloth pouches.

If you’re looking for a gift with country flair, try one of their “Bouquet of Flours” today!

One of the gift sets are sure to be perfect for any occasion: thank you, birthdays, anniversaries, special holidays, house warming party, secret pals, hostess gifts, pastor’s appreciation, or a well-timed pick me up . . .

Our Daily Bread Bouquet – The best selling gift set! It features all 8 of their mixes served in a very stylish, yet practical, 8 quart stainless steel bowl with a large wire whisk.

Breakfast Bonanza Bouquet– Four mouthwatering mixes served with the same touch of country in a 5 quart stainless steel bowl with a medium wire whisk – featuring our Pancake, Muffin, Doughnut, and Wheat-N-Raisin Bread Mixes.

Build Your Own Bouquet – You choose the arrangement of “flours”! Select from any 3 mixes (some exclusions apply) in a 3 quart stainless steel bowl with a small wire whisk.

Enjoy Gaukel Grown & Ground’s home grown goodness and modern convenience. Look for their products in specialty shops and grocery stores throughout the nation. They direct ship for all your holiday and gift giving needs! They’ll even include a gift card expressing your personal sentiments.

Gaukel Grown & Ground products are currently not available in Cheyenne, but they certainly would love to be. People can go to their favorite grocery or gift shop and ask them to begin carrying their product line today!

Gaukel Grown & Ground’s focus is actually two-fold. They strive to provide quality whole wheat products to their customers while educating America’s youth about the importance of agriculture. The Gaukels reach their minds and their hearts through “Living Classrooms”, Ag Expos, and national speaking engagements.

Since its inception in 1999, Gaukel Grown & Ground has cooperated with the Niobrara County Cattlewomen and the Niobrara County School District to provide agriculture education to the youth in the area. Annually, the Niobrara Cattlewomen host an Ag Exp for the 4th and 5th grade students, and Gaukel Grown & Ground participates to educate children in the basics of food production.

The Gaukels also host a tour of their ranch for 3rd and 4th graders. They turn their ranch into a “Living Classroom” with sessions focusing on sustainable agriculture, conservation of land and resources, and urban and rural partnerships to name a few topics. Students see first-hand how wheat is grown, processed, and turned into a variety of foods. The Gaukels have hosted school districts throughout Wyoming for this one of a kind learning experience!

In, 2006, they also began teaching workshops during the Black Hills Conservation Camp located at Mallo.

2007-State, Regional, & NATIONAL Home-Based Business Champion of the Year!

After winning the Wyoming title, Gaukel Grown & Ground was named the United States Small Business Administration’s 2007 Region VIII Home-Based Business Champion Award winner. They were selected from amongst an elite group of entrepreneurs and community leaders representing Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. They were fortunate to then advance to win the NATIONAL title!